Yusuf

Priorities

Your Voice, Your Advocate, Your Representative
Priorities

Solution Program For New Greatness

1

Increase Mental Health Workforce

Maine is experiencing an acute shortage of behavioral health practitioners, which impacts access to behavioral health care for thousands of Maine adults and children. A recent Maine study showed that Mainers are often waiting 8 months or even longer to get into counseling. We are experiencing a mental health crisis in our state, in particular for our youth. 49% of Maine youth ages 12-17 experiencing depression did not receive mental health care during the prior year, according to a NAMI study in 2021. We must invest in reducing workforce barriers for Mental Health Professionals in Maine and ensure all Maine children have access to care.

Multi-Cultural Group Of Men And Women At Mental Health Group Therapy Meeting
Happiness

3

Establish a Small Business Advocacy

As a business owner I know the struggles that our local businesses are facing and I am dedicated to alleviating the problems of starting and running a successful business. 

My plan consists of streamlining the business licensing process, establishing a ‘Small Business Advocacy office. A Small Business Advocacy office that offers one-on-one consulting services to help businesses navigate state regulations and access available tax incentives is exactly what our state needs to have small businesses not only survive but thrive. 

When starting my own business, a lot of time and money was wasted dealing with unnecessary administration hoops. I propose legislation to streamline licensing processes across multiple sectors, reducing the time and paperwork required to start and maintain a business. 

Small business entrepreneur at cafe entrance using digital tablet
Male Small Business Owner Checks Stock In Shop Using Digital Tablet

3

Access to Equitable Housing & Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing

Rent Control

Implementing rent control policies can help prevent excessive rent increases, allowing tenants in affordable housing to remain in their homes without facing eviction due to unaffordable rents.

Tenant Protections

Enact and enforce strong tenant protections, such as regulations against unjust evictions and harassment by landlords. This ensures that residents in affordable housing have security and stability in their homes. 

Legal Protections

Strengthen legal protections against displacement, such as “right to return” policies for tenants temporarily displaced during renovations or redevelopment projects.

Red roofs in residential area housing, view from the air
Happy homeowner buyer realtor estate agent latino man holding bunch keys selling flat of new

3

Education

Education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society, and every child deserves access to quality education. My plan focuses on increasing funding for schools, modernizing educational facilities, and providing comprehensive support for teachers and students. We need to ensure equitable access to educational resources, enhance special education programs, and expand after-school and extracurricular opportunities. By prioritizing education accessibility, we can empower the next generation to achieve their fullest potential.

Classmates talking during break at school
Girl doing homework or online education.
Your Voice, Your Advocate, Your Representative

EMPOWER AND ELEVATE